Urszula Roman-Kamphaus

I’ve always been a very active person. I love cycling, swimming and hiking – I’m originally from a mountainous region in Poland, and since moving to Scotland 16 years ago, I’ve loved exploring the countryside here. I’ve climbed Ben Nevis and other parts of the area.

Because I see myself as fit and healthy, being diagnosed with breast cancer last September came as a huge shock.

I first noticed a change in my breast when I spotted a dimple while I was at the gym. A couple of weeks later I saw a nurse at my GP surgery. I could tell from her expression that she was concerned. I was referred to a breast clinic for further tests and after a biopsy, I was told I had cancer.

I was terrified. The thought of whether I would survive was always in the back of my mind. I was thinking about my daughter – it was so scary for her. She was angry that I had become ill and had a lot of emotions to process.

At first, I needed time to let the news sink in and come to terms with the battle I had in front of me. After a few weeks, I contacted Beagle Street to claim on my Critical Illness Cover. The process was smooth, and after submitting the paperwork, I received a payout of £15,000.

I had taken out my life insurance and critical illness cover policy when I got my mortgage in 2019. Because I’d always been healthy and active, I didn’t think I’d ever need it. I was paying about £14 a month for it, which is the cost of just a few coffees.

In hindsight, I’m so glad I took the policy out. Without it, I could have easily ended up in debt. It gave me peace of mind and allowed me to concentrate on getting better.

My employer provided four months of full pay and four months of half pay and I also had a separate income protection policy. Both of which helped, but it wouldn’t have been enough as the diagnosis brought extra costs. I became more careful about what I ate so I spent more on food and supplements and travelled back to Poland for additional tests. The critical illness payout allowed me to take better care of myself and my daughter without the added pressure of financial stress.

Now, I’m feeling much better, and the money allowed me to take my family on a lovely holiday to Italy. It was wonderful to spend time with my parents and daughter after such a difficult time. I still experience side effects from hormonal therapy, but it’s something I manage day by day. I’m back at work and enjoying a normal routine again.

My daughter and I are looking forward to the future. We’re planning to visit a friend in Australia for Christmas, and I’m enjoying everyday life – something you really miss when you’re ill. I appreciate going to work, chatting with colleagues, and simply being outside. Once those things are taken away, you realise how much they mean.